CN114026757B

CN114026757B - Method and apparatus for producing cable

Info

Publication number: CN114026757B
Application number: CN202080024504.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 曼弗雷德·索格
Original assignee: Metzner Holdings Ltd; Metzna Machinery Manufacturing Co ltd
Current assignee: Metzner Holdings Ltd; Metzna Machinery Manufacturing Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-12
Filing date: 2020-02-12
Publication date: 2024-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-12
Also published as: CN114026757A; DE102020103548A1; US11817682B2; US20220140581A1; WO2020165206A1; WO2020165209A1; US20220077666A1; CN114026758A; EP3925041C0; EP3925042A1; EP3925041B1; US11764555B2; EP3925041A1; PL3925041T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for producing a cable (2) having a cable film (20). The apparatus has a film processing module (9) for reducing the mechanical load carrying capacity of the cable film (20) at crack locations (P _R) disposed along the cable central axis (M). The film processing module (9) has a circular knife (33) for cutting at least one outer layer of the cable film (20) at the crack location (P _R) away from the cable central axis (M).

Description

Method and apparatus for producing cable

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a cable having a cable film.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a cable with a cable film.

Background

In the case of production of cables, at least one cable end of the cable is processed so that the latter is ready for connection to a plug connector or so that the plug connector is partially or completely mounted on the cable end to be processed.

In cables, cable films are sometimes used for electromagnetic shielding, stabilization and/or protection from moisture or mechanical influences. For example, moisture in the form of steam may damage the insulation of the electrical conductors inside the cable-where the cable film surrounding the insulation may act as a remedy. In addition, the cable film may also act as a barrier between the braided cable shield and the cable sheath, whereby the cable sheath during stripping is more easily stripped, even first, because the cable sheath may be mechanically caught or caught in the braided cable shield, respectively, upon stripping.

Depending on the application, the cable film may also be referred to as a "shielding film", "insulating film", "protective film" or "film shield". The term "cable film" as currently selected is intended to cover all fields of application.

The cable membrane may be composed of a single substrate, for example of a layer of insulating material, for example of a plastic material, or of a layer of conductive material, for example of metal. However, composite films having at least two layers, in particular at least two layers of different materials, are also generally used.

When cables with cable films are produced in an automated manner and are at least partly stripped in the process, it is often necessary to cut the end piece of the cable film at defined, provided positions in order to expose the cable components below. Because it is preferred to use a tear-resistant film or a mechanically strong film, respectively, the severing of the cable film is complicated and can usually only be done manually in a manner that provides sufficient accuracy and reliability in terms of the process. Thus, the process of removing the cable film significantly increases processing time and hinders fully automated cable production.

In order to simplify the stripping or removal of the cable film, respectively, it is proposed in WO 2007/104402 A1 to produce the cable or the cable film, respectively, so that the cable film can be removed more easily later. The membrane is here formed with a plurality of mutually spaced projections which thus lead to weakening of the membrane material. Thus, manual peeling can be facilitated. However, it is disadvantageous that in this case the cable film is mechanically weakened in the area of the entire cable, and thus also in the cable area where the cable film is not removed. Thus, intentional weakening of the membrane material may be counterproductive. Furthermore, the production process of the cable film is significantly more complicated, since the projections must also be bonded together in this way, that is to say, ideally, the projections do not penetrate the film, since in most cases the aforementioned protection against moisture must be ensured.

Furthermore, a problem that arises especially when removing the cable film in an automated manner is that the cable film is naturally very thin compared to the rest of the cable. Therefore, when attempting to cut the cable film, it is practically difficult to avoid that the parts of the cable located thereunder are also scratched or scratched, respectively, at least on the surface, and thereby damaged. By definition, or at least for tolerance reasons, many cables do not have a uniform circular cross section, this problem is even more serious.

Damage to the insulation of the inner conductor by inadvertently cutting too deep can impair the dielectric strength, mechanical strength or elasticity of the insulation and the high frequency electrical properties of the cable.

When the braided cable shield or any other conductor of the cable under the cable film is damaged by cutting too deeply, the electrical conductivity and mechanical robustness, especially the brittleness of the conductor, may deteriorate. Braided cable shields of the tinned copper that are often used may be particularly susceptible. When the cable is subjected to stress, the damaged braided cable shield may break at the damaged location, and thus the electromagnetic tightness of the ground wire and the cable may be at risk.

In order to avoid the problem of damaging the components of the cable below the cable film when cutting the cable film, a special cable is proposed in DE10 2004 047 384B3, in which a filling layer is provided below the cable film, wherein the blade only damages the filling layer when cutting the film, the latter being said to be a "sacrificial material". The cable constructed in this way can then be prepared for assembly using a simple stripping tool. However, correspondingly equipped cables are complex and therefore expensive to produce and have increased weight and enlarged circumference, so that they appear to be generally impractical in practical use.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an advantageous apparatus for producing cables, by means of which the end piece of the cable film can be removed from the cable in a simple and reliable manner in the process.

The invention is also based on the object of providing a method for producing a cable, by means of which the end piece of the cable film can be removed from the cable in a simple and reliable manner in the process.

The features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

An apparatus for producing a cable having a cable film is provided. The apparatus has a film processing module for reducing the mechanical load carrying capacity of the cable film at a tear location disposed along a central axis of the cable.

The area of the cable that is mainly processed is sometimes referred to hereinafter as the "cable section to be processed" or "cable front end". As far as the relative indication "front" is used below, this indication thus relates to the cable end currently being processed. With respect to the relative indication "rear" used below, the indication thus relates to the cable rear end opposite the cable front end.

In the context of the production of a cable according to the invention, one or both cable ends can be processed or produced separately. This may be done sequentially or simultaneously, as far as the two cable ends are processed or produced separately.

In the context of the production of a cable according to the invention

A) The cable or the cable end to be processed, respectively, may be prepared for fitting the plug connector; and/or

B) The individual plug connector parts of the plug connector may be fitted partly over the cable or, respectively, over the cable end to be processed; and/or

C) The plug connectors may be fully fitted to the cable or respectively to the respective cable ends.

In particular, therefore, only partial production can be provided, or a preliminary work for fitting the plug connector can be carried out. An apparatus or method may also be provided as one of a plurality of components for producing a cable in the context of an advanced production system.

In principle, the invention can be applied to the production of any arbitrary cable. The cable in a state of being placed in the device may alternatively, but not necessarily, be considered as part of the device.

The cable may have a cable jacket. The cable jacket may be composed of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, in particular soft Polyvinylchloride (PVC). All other cable components of the cable may preferably be surrounded by a cable sheath.

The cable may have an outer conductor. The outer conductor may preferably be configured as a braided cable shield (also referred to as a "braided shield") having a plurality of interwoven single wires. For example, the single wires of the braided cable shield may be configured as tinned copper wires. The outer conductor may preferably extend directly under the cable sheath; however, for example, the outer conductor may also form a cable component located further inside and also extend directly under the cable membrane.

The cable film of the cable may be composed of a single material, in particular of a plastic material (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate PET), a metal (e.g. aluminum or copper) or a textile (e.g. polyester). However, the cable membrane is preferably configured as a composite membrane and comprises at least two separate layers of different materials. For example, the cable film may have exactly two or more individual layers, exactly three or more individual layers, exactly four or more individual layers, exactly five individual layers, or even more individual layers. The composition of the individual layers may be arbitrary. For example, the composite film may be provided by a layer of plastic material (e.g., a PET layer) bounded on both sides by a layer of metal (e.g., an aluminum layer) respectively. The cable membrane may preferably extend directly under the outer conductor, in particular under the braided cable shield. However, the cable membrane may also pass directly through the cable, for example under the cable sheath or at any other location.

The cable may comprise exactly one inner conductor or more, for example exactly two inner conductors or more, exactly three inner conductors or more, exactly four inner conductors or more, exactly five inner conductors or more, exactly six inner conductors or more, exactly seven inner conductors or more, exactly eight inner conductors or even more. The invention can be applied particularly advantageously to cables having a plurality of inner conductors requiring an oval cable cross section, for example cables having exactly two inner conductors. For example, the inner conductor may be configured as a single wire or a wire with a plurality of single wires. The individual wires or single wires of the inner conductor may comprise metal wires, such as tinned copper wire. The inner conductor or conductors may preferably extend under the cable film (together with the insulation described below), respectively.

The inner conductors may have respective insulation or common insulation that encases and electrically isolates the inner conductors. The insulation may be configured from a plastic material, such as foamed polypropylene.

The plurality of inner conductors (along with their respective insulation) may extend in parallel in the cable or may pass through the cable in a twisted or stranded manner, respectively. In particular, it can be provided that the two inner conductors each form a differential pair of inner conductors, which pass through the cable with a defined lay length (twist measure).

Furthermore, the cable may optionally have a filler layer ("filler") which encloses the plurality of inner conductors (together with their respective insulation), in particular a filler layer composed of a plastic material.

The invention is particularly advantageously suitable for removing cable films of cables having small cross sections or end pieces of cable films of cables having small cross sections, respectively, for data transmission, for example in the automotive field, particularly preferably in the motor mobility field.

The cable film may be provided to be at least partially exposed so that the cable film can be processed by the film processing module. The cable film is preferably exposed in such a way that it is accessible at least in the region of the provided tear locations.

The provided tear location is preferably a region with a small axial extent which encircles the circumference of the cable membrane in an annular manner and at which the cable membrane is desirably torn in a controlled manner (in the manner of a predetermined breaking point) during the later stages of processing to sever the leading end piece of the cable membrane.

For the device according to the invention, a film processing module is provided with a circular knife for scoring at least one outer layer of the cable film facing away from the cable central axis at the tear position.

The circular knife preferably has a surrounding straight blade. As a result, the cable film may preferably be cut by the blade of the circular knife rather than sawn, so that shavings or burrs are not (or at least are negligible) produced during processing.

The cable film is preferably not cut completely through by a circular knife but only scored. In principle, however, the cable film may also be cut completely through, but this is not preferred. Even when the score may optionally extend (partially or fully) beyond the outer layer and through the lower layer of the cable membrane, even completely through the cable membrane, it may be advantageous to treat only the outer layer of the cable membrane for application reasons, as in this case the protective action of the cable membrane may be used to protect cable components located below the cable membrane during the scoring process.

The outer layer may be one or more outer material layers of the composite film. However, the outer layer may also be a single material layer of the composite film or a radially outer end region of the cable film having only a single material layer.

The predetermined breaking point may be incorporated into the cable film, preferably by scoring. The predetermined breaking point may be bonded by material shrinkage (notches, perforations and/or scratches). Due to the predetermined breaking point, the cable film can then be broken or torn, respectively, in a predetermined manner under the corresponding stress. Due to the predetermined breaking point or notch effect, the cable membrane can be weakened in a defined manner at the tear location.

However, due to the small thickness of the cable film and the tolerance-related cross-sectional geometry of the cable in practice, scoring the cable film with a straight blade or with a profiled blade often results in intolerable damage to the cable components extending underneath the cable, surprisingly when using a circular blade, the scoring of the cable film can be controlled with high accuracy, whereby unnecessary damage to the cable components can be avoided.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the circular knife is mounted rotatable about the axis of rotation without a drive, such that the circular knife rolls on the cable film when cutting along the circumference of the cable.

Since the circular knife is capable of rolling on the cable membrane, the necessary cutting pressure introduced into the cable membrane by the circular knife during cutting can be reduced and can be adjusted in a highly accurate manner.

Friction bearings or rolling bearings, such as ball bearings, in particular slotted ball bearings, may be provided for mounting the circular knife so that the circular knife can rotate about its axis of rotation. An ideal low friction mounting of the circular knife around its rotation axis may be advantageous in order that the circular knife can roll particularly easily during cutting. The circular knife is preferably mounted rotatable about its axis of rotation in a friction-free or low friction manner and/or completely rotatable about said axis of rotation.

According to a development of the invention, it may be provided that the film processing module has a cutting depth control and/or a cutting depth limitation for the circular knife. At least one cutting depth limit may preferably be provided for the circular knife.

Due to the depth of cut control and/or the depth of cut limitation, it may be advantageously ensured that the cable film is cut only to the envisaged depth. In particular, it is ensured that the cable film is not completely cut through, whereby damage to cable components extending directly below the cable film can be avoided.

The depth of cut control and/or the depth of cut limitation may preferably be configured to limit the depth of cut according to the cross-sectional geometry of the cable component directly wrapping the cable membrane, e.g. according to the cross-sectional geometry of the cable sheath.

For example, the depth of cut limit may be guided in a circumferential manner along the cable sheath of the cable while the circular knife score lines the cable membrane. Thus, the depth of cut during radial movement of the circular knife about the cable central axis may be a direct function of the profile of the cable jacket and optimally adapt to the cross section of the cable for each angular segment. It may optionally be provided here that the cutting pressure is limited such that the cutting depth limitation of the circular knife does not exert any excessive force on the cable sheath, since otherwise the cable or the deformation of the cable sheath may affect the cutting depth limitation in an unpredictable manner.

The cut depth limitation may also be achieved by guiding a circular knife along the ram.

The depth of cut control may have one or more sensors (e.g., path sensors, such as potentiometers, strain gauges, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, or optical sensors, such as laser ranging sensors and/or cameras) to detect the actual depth of the circular knife in the cable film and/or the nominal depth of the circular knife continuously or at discrete points in time as the cut is made. The detected information item can ultimately be used to readjust the spacing between the axis of rotation of the circular knife and the central axis of the cable.

The depth of cut control is preferably specified so that the depth of cut of the score produced by the circular knife remains constant along the circumference of the cable.

According to a development of the invention, it may be provided that the film processing module has a cutting pressure control and/or a cutting pressure limitation for the cutting pressure applied to the cable film by the circular knife. At least one cutting pressure limit may preferably be provided for the circular knife.

For example, when using a linear actuator or a resilient element, in particular when using a spring (e.g. a compression spring or an extension spring), the cutting pressure may be predefined and/or limited.

The cutting pressure control may have one or more sensors (e.g., force transducers, such as spring bellows force transducers, piezoelectric force transducers, electrodynamic force transducers, and/or electroresistance transducers) to detect the actual pressure and/or nominal pressure of the circular knife continuously or at discrete points in time as the cut is made. The detected information item can ultimately be used to readjust the cutting pressure.

The cutting pressure of the circular knife is preferably maintained constant during the circumferential scoring.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the film forming process module has a fastening device which is designated for axially and/or radially fastening the cable.

By fixing the cable, on the one hand, the orientation of the cable during scoring can be ensured, and on the other hand twisting and/or displacement of the cable during scoring can be avoided.

The fixture may have one or more jaws that are actuatable in a direction toward the central axis of the cable.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the film processing module has a guide sleeve with a through-hole for guiding the cable through.

The cable can in particular be guided through the front end of the cable or respectively through the through-hole of the guide sleeve.

The guide sleeve can stabilize the cable in the scribing process. The guide sleeve may also be configured to axially and/or radially secure the cable. The guide sleeve may thus optionally be an integral part of the fixing means.

The cable is preferably received in the guide sleeve so that the cable is fixed against rotation relative to the guide sleeve.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the guide sleeve has an end face at the end facing the circular knife. The end face may have a window for guiding the cable (or respectively the leading end of the cable) therethrough. The window may optionally have a geometry suitable for the cable (or cable front that has been pre-processed, e.g., cable front with the cable jacket and outer conductor removed).

Since the guide sleeve has an end face at its end facing the circular knife, the circular knife can advantageously be guided along the end face during radial actuation in the direction of the cable centre axis and/or during scoring in the cable film. The cutting may thus preferably take place along the end face or along the jacket edge of the guide jacket, respectively.

Since the guide sleeve on the end side has a window for guiding through the cable (or respectively the cable front end thereof), in particular when the window is adapted to the outer geometry of the cable, the cable can advantageously be prevented from rotating, for example when the cable has an oval geometry or other non-circular geometry, respectively.

The orientation of the cable within the guide sleeve is known, which is potentially advantageous for uniform scoring of the cable film. A circular knife may optionally be guided around the guide sleeve along the outer radius of the guide sleeve to provide a depth of cut limitation.

In a development of the invention, it may be provided that the film processing module has a rotation device provided for rotating the cable around the cable central axis and/or for rotating the circular knife around the cable along the circumference of the cable.

Preferably, the cable rotates about the cable central axis, or the circular knife rotates about the cable along the circumference of the cable.

In the case of a short cable piece, it is advantageous for the cable to be rotated about its cable central axis, while the position of the circular knife remains unchanged. It has been shown that the cutting pressure may be disadvantageously changed due to the changing influence of the weight of the cutting blade when the circular blade rotates around the circumference of the cable. In contrast, where the cable is longer, the circular knife may more easily rotate around the cable; the effect of gravity may be preferably considered and compensated for herein (e.g., by guiding a circular knife a distance along the ram, the profile of the ram is selected to compensate for the varying gravity effect).

In an advantageous development of the invention, it may be provided that the rotation means are assigned to rotate the fixing means and/or the guide sleeve together with the cable around the cable central axis.

The cable may preferably be fixed axially and/or radially within the guide sleeve. The rotation of the cable about its central axis can thus be achieved particularly advantageously by rotating the guide sleeve.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that a separating module for separating the pieces of cable film or the end pieces of cable film, respectively, at the tear-off location is arranged downstream of the film processing module.

Since the film processing module weakens the mechanical carrying capacity of the cable film in a defined manner at the provided tear locations, a subsequent severing of the end piece of the cable film is possible in a particularly simple and precise manner. The pre-processing of the cable film by the film processing module can thus advantageously use the separation module within the scope of automated cable production.

The separation module may have means for twisting and/or bending the cable, the cable membrane and/or the end piece of the cable membrane. As a result, the groove/predetermined breaking point or score, respectively, which has previously been joined at the provided tearing location, can be extended until the cable film is finally completely torn at the tearing location.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the separation module has a clamping tool which is designated for clamping the end piece of the cable film to be severed in the vicinity of the tear position.

Clamping tools can be used particularly advantageously to remove or tear, respectively, the end piece of the cable membrane.

The clamping means are preferably designated as end pieces dedicated to clamping the cable film. The clamping means are particularly preferably designated for clamping the end piece of the cable membrane in the region of the front end position.

In a development of the invention, it may be provided that the clamping tool has two clamping jaws which can be actuated in a direction towards the central axis of the cable. In principle, more than two clamping jaws may also be provided, for example three clamping jaws or more, or four clamping jaws or even more.

The jaws may be actuated in a linear motion towards the central axis of the cable. However, it is also possible to actuate the clamping jaw in a curvilinear movement towards the central axis of the cable.

The clamping jaws may be arranged on the respective clamping legs. The legs may optionally be mounted on a common pivot point.

The clamping force of the clamping tool to secure the cable, the cable membrane and/or the end piece of the cable membrane may be limited or controlled.

According to an improvement of the invention, it can be provided that the separation module has an actuator device which is designated for twisting and/or bending the cable together with the cable film such that the end piece of the cable film is severed in the tear position.

The actuator device may have, for example, one, two, three, four or more lifters which are actuatable towards the cable in order to bend the cable together with the cable membrane. The actuator device may also have, for example, at least one eccentric cam in order to bend the cable together with the cable membrane.

The actuator means may be designated for bending the cable and the cable membrane along at least one degree of freedom, preferably along at least two degrees of freedom.

In an advantageous refinement of the invention, it may be provided that the actuator means are assigned to tilt the clamping tool along at least one rotational degree of freedom (relative to the cable central axis) while the clamping tool secures the cable or the cable film, or the end piece of the cable film, respectively.

The mechanical stress of the cable membrane at the tear-off location can be introduced particularly advantageously into the cable or into the cable membrane/cable membrane end piece by means of a clamping tool. Thus, the actuator means may advantageously be coupled with the gripping tool, for example with the gripping jaws or legs.

Furthermore, the closed clamping tool can even increase the mechanical stress on the cable membrane caused by torsion and/or bending, since compensation of the path length of the cable membrane, which varies due to torsion/bending, is prevented, as a result of which tearing of the cable membrane can take place in a completely reliable manner at very small deflections.

Instead of or in addition to the gripping means and/or the actuator device, a separation module may be provided which has further means for cutting the end piece of the cable film along the provided tear position. For example, an ultrasonic generator may be used to introduce high frequency mechanical vibrations into the cable or cable membrane, respectively, and to set the cable or cable membrane, respectively, to resonance. Alternatively or additionally, vibration promoters and other vibration means may also be provided to initiate and/or at least promote the severing of the end piece of the cable membrane. An air flow may also be provided, for example due to pulsed compressed air (suction and/or blowing), for severing the end piece of the cable film at the tear location, which end piece of the cable film has previously been mechanically weakened by the circular knife.

It may be provided that after the separation module has cut the end piece of the cable membrane, the end piece of the cable membrane is peeled off from the cable together with the guide sleeve. However, the end piece of the cable film may also be removed from the cable, wherein the end piece is brushed, blown off, spread out, rubbed off and/or peeled off together with the previously partly peeled cable sheathing piece.

In an advantageous development of the invention, a cleaning module for removing particles or film residues adhering to the cable can be provided downstream of the separation module.

The use of a cleaning module ensures high quality production and eliminates sources of defects in the finished product (in particular short circuits, mechanical plugs and leaks caused by metal foil particles). The cleaning module can ensure technical cleanliness in the production context of the cable.

In principle, the cleaning process can be implemented or carried out in different ways, respectively. However, any combination of the following variants or alternatively individual solutions are particularly suitable.

According to a design embodiment, it may be provided that the cleaning process comprises blowing off particles or film residues, respectively. For example, a forced air jet may be used to blow off particles and film residues. According to a design embodiment, it may be provided, for example, that the cable is introduced into an annular nozzle, through which the particles or film residues, respectively, are then blown off. The annular nozzle may have one or more inflow portions for supplying air. For example, a single inflow portion may be provided, or two inflow portions may be provided. It may be provided that the annular nozzle has a plurality of individual air outlets/nozzles or an air outlet in the form of an annular gap which is completely or at least partially encircling in an annular manner. Although a ring nozzle is particularly preferred, a conventional air nozzle or a plurality of air nozzles may also be provided in order to be able to remove particles or film residues, respectively, in a more targeted manner and with greater flexibility. For example, a flat jet nozzle may be provided.

For example, in order to avoid that particles or film residues, respectively, are rejected in an uncontrolled manner and thus migrate to further locations of the production line, it may be advantageous, for example, to blow the particles or film residues, respectively, onto the collection container and/or the filter unit in a targeted manner.

In an advantageous embodiment of the design, it may be provided that the cleaning process comprises sucking particles or film residues, respectively. A circular nozzle, a flat jet nozzle, or any other nozzle may be provided for suction.

In a design embodiment, it may be provided that the air flow generated in the context of the cleaning process is pulsed. For example, the pulsed air flow may be adapted for blowing and/or suction. As a result of the pulsed air jet, particles or film residues, respectively, can be removed from the surface more easily, since they are initially loose. Furthermore, as a result of the pulsing, a turbulent air flow may be generated which helps to release particles or film residues from the cable or from components connected to the cable in the production environment, respectively.

In an advantageous design embodiment, it may be provided that ionized air is supplied to the cable end during cleaning to reduce the electrostatic attraction of particles or film residues, respectively. A targeted reduction of the electrostatic charge may be particularly advantageous for removing particles or film residues of the plastic material, respectively.

In order to be able to dissipate charges from the particles or film residues and/or from the cable, respectively, components of the apparatus, for example in direct contact with the particles or film residues in a production environment, may be configured to be electrically conductive and grounded, respectively (e.g. a brush not yet described below).

In a design embodiment, it may be provided that the cable end is exposed to a defined vibration during cleaning in order to loosen particles or film residues, respectively. The vibration may release the microscopic hooks, which may then more easily remove the particles and film residue, respectively. For example, the vibration method may be particularly suitable in combination with blowing away particles or sucking particles. It may be advantageous to introduce vibrations as close as possible to the contaminants.

In design embodiments, it may also be provided to remove magnetic particles or magnetic film residues, respectively, by magnetic attraction when using one or more magnets (permanent magnets and/or solenoids).

According to an improvement of the invention, it may be provided that a quality monitoring module for checking the processing quality of the cable is arranged downstream of the separation module.

Ideally, comprehensive quality monitoring is particularly advantageous in a fully or partially automated cable production environment in a mass manufacturing environment. For example, cable production may be designed to be transparent and traceable to the end user as a result of quality monitoring. Monitoring of the condition of at least one cable end of the cable may be provided to occur after removal of the end of the cable film, in particular after a prior cleaning of the cleaning module.

The quality monitoring module may in principle also be provided at another location or locations of the cable processing. For example, the quality monitoring module or at least a visual inspection of the cable ends may also be arranged upstream of a plurality (or all) of the processing modules or devices. For example, at least one optical sensor may be provided in the receiving area of the processing module, so that the cable end may be inspected by the quality monitoring module or by the optical sensor when the rear is actuated into the processing module.

The state of the cable end can be detected by an optical sensor device for optical quality monitoring. Optical quality monitoring can advantageously utilize different quality features.

In particular, the processing result of the cable film can be checked within the quality monitoring range of the quality monitoring module. For example, it is possible to check whether a scratch occurs in a cable member (e.g., an insulator of an inner conductor) extending below the cable member. It is furthermore possible to check whether the cutting residues protrude from the cable film remaining on the cable in the region of the tear-off location or adhere to any other cable component. Finally, it is also possible to check whether the cable film remaining on the cable in the region of the tear-off position has protruding corners or to check the accuracy/contour of the separation position, respectively.

If desired, the inspected cable may be transferred or marked from production for post-processing if the inspected cable is of an undesirable quality. The results of the quality monitoring may be selectively recorded or stored so as to be able to be assigned to the cable, on a workpiece carrier assigned to the cable, and/or in a database, respectively.

In an advantageous design embodiment of the quality monitoring module, a line of sight of the first optical sensor may be provided aligned towards the cable end, wherein a first illumination unit along the line of sight of the first sensor is arranged behind the cable end to generate transmitted light for detecting the state of the cable end.

The line of sight of the optical sensor is preferably the central axis of the optical detection range or detection lobe by which the sensor detects or perceives its environment, respectively.

According to a design embodiment of the quality monitoring module, it may also be provided that a line of sight of the second optical sensor is aligned towards the cable end, wherein a second illumination unit along the line of sight of the second sensor is arranged in front of the cable end to generate incident light for detecting a state of the cable end.

Depending on the design embodiment of the quality monitoring module, it may be provided that the first optical sensor and/or the second optical sensor is configured as a camera (preferably an electronic camera) or has a camera. For example, the optical sensor, in particular the camera, may be configured and designated for recording at least a single image, preferably a plurality of single images, or for example a video sequence. The individual images or video sequences can then be evaluated by the control device.

In a design embodiment of the quality monitoring module, it may be provided that the second optical sensor is arranged offset from the first optical sensor by a defined angle, preferably by 10 ° to 170 °, particularly preferably by 45 ° to 135 °, further preferably by 80 ° to 100 °, and most particularly preferably by 90 °. In each case, the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor are most particularly preferably aligned so as to be orthogonal to the cable central axis or the longitudinal axis of the cable, respectively, so as to be offset from each other by about 90 ° or exactly 90 °. The simultaneous detection of the cables by the two optical sensors can thus in particular be carried out in a relatively interference-free manner or independently.

In a design embodiment of the quality monitoring module, it may be provided that the first illumination unit emits light in the first light color and/or the first light polarization, which is predominantly exclusively detectable by the first optical sensor and predominantly undetectable by the second optical sensor. Since the light of the first lighting unit is mainly exclusively detectable by the first optical sensor, the quality monitoring of the first optical sensor and the first lighting unit preferably does not affect the quality monitoring of the second optical sensor.

In an advantageous embodiment of the quality monitoring module, it may also be provided that the second illumination unit emits light in a second light color and/or a second light polarization, which is predominantly exclusively detectable by the second optical sensor and predominantly undetectable by the first optical sensor.

In a design embodiment of the quality monitoring module, it may be provided that the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor perform time offset measurements, wherein the first illumination unit only illuminates the cable end during a time interval in which the first optical sensor performs measurements, and wherein the second illumination unit only illuminates the cable end during a time interval in which the second optical sensor performs measurements.

In an advantageous embodiment of the quality monitoring module, it may be provided that the first optical sensor and/or the second optical sensor rotate about the cable central axis of the cable when detecting the state of the cable end and/or that the cable rotates about the cable central axis when detecting the state of the cable end. In this way, a particularly precise detection of the processing state of the respective cable end can be achieved. In particular, it may be provided that the first illumination unit rotates synchronously with the first optical sensor and/or that the second illumination unit rotates synchronously with the second optical sensor. Furthermore, the first sensor may also be rotated synchronously with the second sensor. For example, both sensors and both lighting units may be fixed on a common frame.

In an advantageous development of the invention, a cable shield processing module for the braided cable shield of a cutting cable and/or the braided cable shield of a folded-back cable can be provided, which is arranged upstream of the film processing module, the braided cable shield of the cable being exposed to the stripping position starting from the cable front end.

In principle, a cable shield processing module for cutting and/or folding back the braided cable shield of a cable to a fixed length may also be arranged downstream of the film processing module, as long as the braided cable shield is arranged below the cable film.

The stripping position may be in particular a position along a cable central axis of the cable from which the cable jacket of the cable is stripped. Thus, the stripping position may in particular be an axial position along the cable central axis of the cable, where the cable sheath starting from the cable front end is again present.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the cable shield processing module has at least one drivable brush, starting from the cable front end of the cable, which brush is designated for folding back the braided cable shield of the cable by a brushing action in the direction of the cable end opposite the front end.

The brushing of the braided cable shield to fold back the braided cable shield may be particularly advantageously adapted to different cable types or different cable geometries, respectively, and thus also lead to positive results independent of the specific type of cable. The "brushing back" of the braided cable shield may even be positively adapted to the case of an oval cable geometry, for example in the case of a data line with a plurality of inner conductors, wherein the inner conductors cannot be distributed symmetrically in the cable (for example in the case of a data cable with exactly two inner conductors).

In an advantageous design embodiment, at least two drivable brushes or more brushes, at least three drivable brushes or more brushes, at least four drivable brushes or even more brushes may be used. Since the brushes are distributed along the circumference of the cable, the braided cable shield can be fully machined. The use of just two brushes is particularly preferred, as it has been demonstrated by the test series that by using two brushes a sufficient brushing result of the folded-back braided cable shield has been obtained. However, in principle more brushes may be provided. Alternatively, only a single brush may be provided.

It may optionally be provided that the cable rotates around the central axis of the cable during brushing and/or that at least one brush rotates around the circumference of the cable during brushing, in order to desirably ensure that the machining is performed over the entire circumference. Rotating the cable/brush may be particularly advantageous in case of a low number of brushes.

In a design embodiment, it may be provided that the at least one drivable brush is actuated in a direction towards the cable central axis of the cable before and/or during brushing.

In a design embodiment, it may also be provided that the braided cable shield is moved along the at least one brush (e.g. so as to pass between the brushes) and/or that the at least one brush is moved over the cable along the cable centre axis of the cable, respectively, during brushing or during folding back of the braided cable shield.

In a design embodiment, it may be provided that the brush is configured as a round brush. Round brushes may be understood as any brush that may be driven around a central axis, such as also known as pot brushes and conical brushes. The round brush need not be entirely circular, but may be configured as an oval, for example. In principle any brush may be provided, for example a brush that performs a linear movement or a rotating brush. It may be provided that the brush has nylon bristles. In principle, however, any bristles may also be suitable, for example bristles made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers or wires. One skilled in the art can select bristles suitable for brushing the braided cable shield based on the application and according to the material of the braided cable shield.

It may be provided that the cable is secured against rotation during brushing or during folding back of the braided cable shield, respectively, for example by means of a securing device. The axial fixing of the cable, for example by means of a fixing device, can also be carried out in a permanent manner or only during certain processing steps.

It may be provided that the cable shield processing module has a control device which is designated for determining a defined fold-back position of the braided cable shield along the cable central axis.

The folded-back position is a position along the cable center axis of the cable from which the braided cable shield is folded back or kinked to be folded back, respectively. The fold-back position may in particular be a reversal point of the contour of the folded-back braided cable shield, wherein the braided cable shield reverses its contour in the direction towards the rear end of the cable.

It may be provided that the cable shield processing module has actuating means, which are designated for attaching the mould shell to the cable and for positioning said mould shell in the folded-back position by a front end portion facing the front end of the cable.

The shape of the folded region of the braided cable shield can advantageously be predetermined by the mould shell. Furthermore, due to the use of the mould shell, the flexibility in folding back the braided cable shield can be increased, since the braided cable shield no longer has to be forced to fold back directly onto the cable, or onto the cable sheath of the latter cable, or onto the plug connector part of the latter plug connector, respectively.

For example, when the support sleeve of the rear plug connector, which has been preassembled on the cable, has an axially elongated slot, it may in fact occur that a single wire of the braided cable shield penetrates into the elongated slot when folded back and, due to the increased length associated therewith, protrudes beyond the rear end of the support sleeve in an undefined manner. This should be avoided in order to ensure good electrical properties and to avoid short circuits during the assembly of the plug connector.

Thanks to the mould shell, the radial distance or spacing of the folded-back braided cable shield from the cable jacket of the cable or from the plug connector part of the plug connector preassembled on the cable jacket can be predefined or influenced, respectively.

Furthermore, due to the formwork, the axial retracing position along the central axis of the cable can also be predefined by positioning the front end of the formwork.

In a design embodiment, it can be provided that the mould shell is independent of the electrical plug connector to be fitted on the end of the cable to be processed. The form is therefore preferably not an integral part of the rear plug connector. The mould shell is preferably only an integral part of the cable shield processing module and can thus advantageously be used for folding back a braided cable shield. In an advantageous design embodiment, it can be provided that the mould shell is removed again from the cable once the braided cable shield has been folded back onto the mould shell. The form is preferably removable from the cable in a non-destructive manner.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a mould shell can be provided having a circular cross section. In principle, however, the formwork can also have an oval, rectangular or any other cross section. The geometry here may preferably correspond to or at least approximately correspond to the geometry of the cable jacket, or to or at least approximately correspond to the plug connector part to be fitted over and/or under the folded-back braided cable shield. A circular form is often advantageous because plug connector components to be fitted over or under the braided cable shield typically have a circular inner geometry or a circular outer geometry.

In a design embodiment, a form can be provided that tapers in a direction toward the front end. The formwork can also be only partially tapered. Thereby, for example, after folding back, other plug connector parts or a mould for cutting the cable braid shield can be pushed from the cable rear end to below the braid cable shield particularly easily.

The mould shell can taper at an angle of 20 ° to 70 °, for example, preferably at an angle of 30 ° to 60 °, particularly preferably at an angle of 40 ° to 50 °, for example 45 °.

However, it is particularly preferred that the mould shell does not taper and, conversely, the mould shell is configured to fold the braided cable shield fully back, even optionally over a convex surface on the end side of the mould shell. This variant is particularly suitable when there is no longer a need to cut the braided cable shield after folding back, for example when the dimensions of the plug connector have been adapted to the length of the braided cable shield remaining after stripping and folding back.

According to a design embodiment, it may also be provided that the formwork is constituted by two half-shells or more half-shells, which are actuated in a direction towards the central axis of the cable in order to attach the formwork to the cable. However, the formwork can also be constructed in one piece, in particular in the manner of tubes.

In an advantageous embodiment of the design, provision can be made for the mould shell to be attached to the cable by means of a plug connector part of an electrical plug connector which is preassembled on the cable, preferably preassembled above a (axially slotted) support sleeve of the plug connector. Thus, during brushing of the braided cable shield, the form can cover plug connector parts of the following plug connector, for example axially slotted support sleeves of the plug connector. Thus, the disadvantageous contours and regions of the plug connector part, such as the axially elongated grooves, no longer have a negative effect on the folding back of the braided cable shield. In addition, the form can protect the plug connector components from the rotating brush.

In a modification of the present invention, it may be arranged that the folding back position deviates from the peeling position.

The fold-back position can thus advantageously be changed independently of the peeling position. Thus, for example, tolerances at the stripping position or at the assembly position of the plug connector part can be taken into account and compensated for. Furthermore, surprisingly, contact with the braided cable shield by the plug connector component (e.g., the support sleeve or crimp sleeve) may be improved when the folded-back position of the braided cable shield does not directly correspond to the stripped position.

In an advantageous design embodiment, it may be provided that the fold-back position is determined in such a way that the fold-back position along the cable central axis of the cable is arranged closer to the cable end to be processed than the stripping position. Thus, the folded back position along the central axis of the cable may be more toward the "front" than the peeled off position. Therefore, when the braided cable shield is folded back, the distance from the peeling position can be maintained. This may be particularly advantageous for the assembly of plug connectors in the field of high frequency engineering, as the contact of the outer conductor of the plug connector by the braided shield of the cable may occur further towards the front of the cable. In principle, however, it is also possible to provide that the folding back position corresponds to the stripping position. In special cases, even a folding back position offset to the rear to lie behind the stripping position may be provided, for example in order to fold back the braided cable shield in stages.

According to a design embodiment, it may be provided that the folded-back position is determined depending on the fitting position of the plug connector part of the electrical plug connector pre-fitted on the cable. Thus, tolerances at the fitting position of the plug connector part can be compensated. In particular, it is thereby avoided that the folded-back braided cable shield protrudes rearwards beyond the plug connector part even when the fitting position of the plug connector part along the central axis of the cable is subjected to large tolerances.

According to a design embodiment, it may be provided that the folding back position is determined according to the peeling position. For example, it may be provided that the fold-back position is determined at a defined distance from the peeling position, for example at a distance of 0.1mm to 5.0mm, preferably at a distance of 0.1mm to 2.0mm, most particularly preferably at a distance of 0.1mm to 1.0mm from the peeling position.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the mould shell has an end-side stop surface for the braided cable shield.

The end-side stop surface of the mould shell can improve the contact with the braided cable shield by means of, for example, a support sleeve, a press-fit sleeve or a crimp sleeve or any other plug connector part, since in this case the folded-back braided cable shield follows the contour of the stop surface and can be provided with a "spring" or resilient end-on contact by the plug connector part, respectively.

The end stop surface of the mould shell is preferably provided with a defined edge for folding back the braided cable shield. In a design embodiment, it may be provided that when the form is attached to a cable, the end stop surface of the form extends at least partially to be orthogonal to the cable central axis. However, non-orthogonal alignment of the end-side stop surfaces may also be provided, such as any angular alignment of the stop surfaces relative to the cable central axis.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the front form has a chamfer and/or a transition radius, preferably between the end stop surface and the side of the form. The chamfer and/or transition radius may further improve brushing results when folding back the braided cable shield, and may further reduce stress on the braided cable shield by sharp kinks.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the cable shield processing module has a die with a contact region for the braided cable shield and a punching device, wherein the punching device is capable of cutting the braided cable shield supported on the contact region of the die.

The mold may have a through hole for guiding through the cable. The mould may be actuated along the cable centre axis in a direction towards the cable front end in order to carry a braided cable shield at the end side of the contact area, which braided cable shield has previously been at least partially folded in the environment of the cable shield processing. Thus, the die may be used as a contact area for subsequent shear cuts.

The shear cutting or the punch cutting may be performed by a punching device. A fine cut can then be made if necessary to reliably sever all individual wires of the braided cable shield.

The production of the cable can advantageously be divided between individual processing steps and/or processing modules, for example between the processing modules mentioned above and below.

The distribution of production among a plurality of processing modules or processing steps enables the apparatus to operate as a "production line process" or as a "cyclic robot", respectively, with successive individual steps to reduce processing time in batch processing.

Furthermore, the apparatus may be of modular construction, so that individual process modules may be replaced, modified or removed with little complexity. The device can thus be configured in particular with simple means for processing different types of cables.

The apparatus according to the invention may alternatively also have only a film processing module, without other processing modules.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a cable with a cable film. In the context of this method, it is provided that the mechanical carrying capacity of the cable film is reduced at the tear location provided along the central axis of the cable. To this end, at least one outer layer of the cable film facing away from the central cable axis is scored by a circular knife at the provided tear position.

The circular knife may be part of a film processing module, in particular of an apparatus according to the invention described above and below.

According to a refinement, it may be provided that the cable membrane is scored at least in a partially annular manner, completely or partially along the circumference of the cable.

For example, it may be provided that the mechanical load carrying capacity decreases in a symmetrically encircling manner along the circumference of the cable membrane. Additionally or alternatively, it may also be provided that the mechanical load-carrying capacity of the cable film along the cable central axis is reduced completely or partially in the region of the cable portion to be processed.

In an advantageous development, it may be provided that the cable film at the tear position is scored in such a way that the tear is arranged through the outer layer and preferably also at least partially through the inner layer of the cable film located below the outer layer.

For example, it may be provided that the tear encircling in a part-annular manner, completely or partly along the circumference of the cable membrane and/or along the cable central axis is contained only in the outer layer or in part of the outer layer. However, it is also possible to provide that a tear which surrounds the cable membrane completely in the radial direction (i.e. through the outer layer and through the inner layer) is incorporated in a partially annular manner, completely or partially along the circumference of the cable membrane and/or along the central axis of the cable. Tearing may also occur that only partially penetrates the inner layer of the cable film.

The tear in the cable film may represent a suitable predetermined breaking point or reduce the mechanical load carrying capacity of the cable film at the location of the tear to a desired extent. The type of tear, that is to say length, depth and width, and optionally the number of tears, can be determined by the person skilled in the art for the particular application.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the circular knife rolls on the cable film when cutting along the circumference of the cable.

Furthermore, in a development of the invention, it may be provided that the cutting depth and/or the cutting pressure of the circular knife when scoring along the circumference of the cable is controlled or at least limited.

According to a design embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the cable is axially and/or radially fixed during processing, in particular during scoring of the cable film.

According to a design embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the leading end of the guide wire passes through the through hole of the guide sleeve before scoring the cable membrane.

In a design embodiment of the invention it may be provided that the cable is rotated around the cable central axis and/or that the circular knife is rotated around the cable along the circumference of the cable, while the cable film is scored by the circular knife. Preferably, the guide sleeve is rotatable with the cable about the cable central axis.

According to a development of the invention, it can also be provided that the cable is twisted and/or bent when the mechanical load-carrying capacity is reduced, so that the end piece of the cable membrane is severed in a partially annular or annular encircling manner along the tear-off location.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the end piece of the cable film to be cut is held in the vicinity of the tearing position, for example by means of a clamping tool.

It may be provided that one, two, three, four or more actuators (in particular linear motors or drive cylinders) and/or at least one eccentric cam are used in order to twist and/or bend the cable section to be processed along at least one degree of freedom. In particular, it can be provided that the end piece of the cable membrane is fixed in the region of the tear-off position during the twisting and/or bending process, in particular by means of the clamping tool already described.

In principle, it is also possible to provide a plurality of cable films within the cable; for example, a first cable film may be disposed between the cable jacket and the braided cable shield, and a second cable film may be disposed between the dielectric or insulator and the inner conductor, respectively. The invention may also be used to remove multiple cable films or pieces of cable films from the cable, respectively.

Furthermore, the described apparatus may also have additional processing modules, or the described method may also provide additional processing steps. The previously mentioned processing modules or method steps may be combined or divided in any way and rearranged according to their order, respectively, as long as technically appropriate, and upgraded with further processing modules or method steps, respectively.

For example, a cable jacket processing module for stripping a cable jacket of a cable may be provided. For this purpose, the cable sheath may preferably be scored in a completely annular encircling manner in order to sever the pieces of the cable sheath. However, it is also possible to provide, for example, only partial scoring of the jacket in a partial annular manner or in an annular circumferential manner, and initially still leaving a separate connecting web. A cable jacket processing module may be provided that is configured to peel a piece of cable jacket from a cable portion when the piece of cable jacket is severed. The piece of the cable jacket may be at least partially peeled off the cable film or the braided cable shield in an axial direction along the cable central axis.

For example, a mounting module for mounting at least one plug connector component (e.g. a support sleeve) on a cable may also be provided. The plug connector part may also be, for example, a sealing ring. The plug connector part can be pushed onto the cable from the cable front end in an axial direction along the cable central axis by means of the mounting module. Alternatively, the plug connector part, in particular the support sleeve, may be press-fit or crimped onto the cable (e.g. onto the cable jacket of the cable), respectively.

According to an advantageous design embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to provide a conveying device for continuously actuating the cable section of the cable to be processed towards the processing module. The conveying device may be configured in particular in the manner of a production line and convey at least one cable from one processing module to the next. In each case, however, the conveying means preferably convey a plurality of cables from one processing module to the next, so as to feed the respective cables for processing the latter simultaneously to the plurality of processing modules, so that ideally all the processing modules are always busy for high throughput. The delivery device may optionally have one or more clamps to actuate one or more cables.

The invention also relates to a computer software product with program code means for performing the method according to the above and below embodiments, when the program is executed on a control unit of an apparatus for producing cables.

The control unit may be configured as a microprocessor. Instead of a microprocessor, any further means for realizing a control unit may be provided, such as a discrete electronic component or an assembly of discrete electronic components on a circuit board, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or any other programmable circuit, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a programmable logic component (PLA) and/or a commercial computer.

The invention also relates to a cable processed by a method according to one of the above and below embodiments.

The invention also relates to a cable which has been processed by the apparatus according to the above and below embodiments.

The invention can be used particularly advantageously for producing cables (data lines) for transmitting data, in particular in the field of high-frequency engineering.

Features already described in the context of the device according to the invention can of course also be advantageously used in the method and vice versa. Furthermore, advantages already mentioned in the context of the device according to the invention can also be understood as relating to the method and vice versa.

It is further noted that terms like "comprising," "having," or "with" do not exclude any other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "an" or "the" do not exclude a plurality of steps or features and vice-versa.

However, in a pure embodiment of the invention, it may also be provided that features introduced in the present invention by the terms "comprising", "having" or "with" constitute an exhaustive list. Thus, in the context of the present invention, an enumeration of one or more features may be considered in independent form, e.g. for each claim separately.

Note that the use of terms such as "first" or "second" are primarily intended to distinguish between individual device or method features, and are not necessarily intended to indicate interdependence or relatedness of features.

It is furthermore emphasized that the values and parameters described in the present invention also comprise deviations or fluctuations of + -10% or less, preferably of + -5% or less, more preferably of + -1% or less, very particularly preferably of + -0.1% or less. If such deviations are not precluded in the practice of embodiments of the present invention, the values or parameters described respectively deviate or fluctuate. The ranges specified in the manner of start and end values also include all values and fractions contained in the respectively specified ranges, in particular the start and end values and the respective average values.

It is to be mentioned at this point that the specific combination of features mentioned herein, in particular the described processing module, may also represent an independent invention in the context of the production of cables itself.

Applicant specifically but not exclusively reserves the right to claim the following subject matter as a separate invention:

a) An apparatus (and corresponding method) for producing a cable having a cable membrane, the apparatus having a membrane processing module for reducing the mechanical carrying capacity of the cable membrane at a tear position provided along a central cable axis, wherein the membrane processing module has a knife (in particular a straight knife) or a forming tool for scoring at least one outer layer of the cable membrane facing away from the central cable axis at the tear position.

B) An apparatus (and corresponding method) for producing a cable having a cable membrane, the apparatus having a separation module for cutting an end piece of the cable membrane at a tear location disposed along a central axis of the cable;

c) An apparatus (and corresponding method) for producing a cable having a cable membrane, the apparatus having a cleaning module for removing particles or membrane residues adhering to the cable;

d) An apparatus (and corresponding method) for producing a cable having a cable membrane, the apparatus having a quality monitoring module for checking the processing quality of the cable; and/or

E) An apparatus (and corresponding method) for producing a cable having a cable membrane has a cable shield processing module for cutting and/or folding back a braided cable shield of the cable to a fixed length, the braided cable shield of the cable being exposed at a stripping position from a front end of the cable.

Further features disclosed throughout the specification and drawings relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the independent invention described above.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In each case, the figures show preferred exemplary embodiments, wherein the individual features of the invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of one exemplary embodiment may also be implemented independently of other features of the same exemplary embodiment, and thus may be readily combined with features of other exemplary embodiments by those skilled in the art to form further advantageous combinations and subcombinations.

Elements of the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures.

In the figures, each case is schematically:

fig. 1 shows an apparatus for producing a cable according to the invention with a conveyor and with a plurality of processing modules;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cable to be produced;

Fig. 3 shows a cable shield processing module for cutting and folding back a braided cable shield of a cable to length, with a mould shell and an actuating device in a first processing step, while introducing the cable into the mould shell;

FIG. 4 shows the cable shield processing module of FIG. 3 in a second processing step once the form has been positioned in the folded-back position;

FIG. 5 shows the cable shield processing module in a third processing step, with the braided cable shield using two brushes folded back into the form;

FIG. 6 shows the cable after the braided cable shield has been folded back;

fig. 7 shows a die and a stamping device of a cable shield processing module for cutting a braided cable shield to length;

FIG. 8 illustrates a folding aid for a cable shield tooling module for fully folding back a braided cable shield;

FIG. 9 shows in simplified diagram a film processing module with a circular knife for scoring a cable film at a provided tear location;

FIG. 10 shows another film processing module having a circular knife for scoring a cable film at a provided tear location, the film processing module having a guide sleeve;

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the guide sleeve of fig. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a circular knife of another film processing module guided along a gate for scoring a cable film at a tear location;

fig. 13 shows a separation module with a clamping tool and an actuator device for moving the clamping tool when the clamping tool secures the end piece of the cable membrane;

Fig. 14 shows another split module having a clamping tool and an actuator device for moving the clamping tool when the clamping tool secures the end piece of the cable membrane;

FIG. 15 shows a cleaning module for removing particles or film residues attached to a cable; and

Fig. 16 shows a quality monitoring module for checking the processing quality of a cable.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for producing a cable 2. The device 1 is shown in a highly schematic and exemplary manner only.

In a production environment, the cable 2 may be used to fit an electrical plug connector (not shown) at the end of the cable to be processed (also referred to herein as the cable front end). In a production environment, the plug connector part of the latter plug connector may also have been pushed onto the cable end for processing or fitting on the cable end. In a production environment, the plug connector can also optionally be completely fitted on the cable end to be processed. Two cable ends may alternatively be produced.

The apparatus 1 shown in an exemplary manner in fig. 1 has a plurality of processing modules 3 to 12, which are each indicated as a black box. The two processing modules 11, 12 are combined in an exemplary manner to form a module group 13. The latter will be discussed in more detail below.

The apparatus 1 has a conveying device 14 for actuating the cables 2 to be processed in the conveying direction T to the processing modules 3 to 12 or to the module group 13, respectively. The conveyor 14 may have one or more conveyor belts 15 for conveying the cable 2 in the work carrier 16. The workpiece carrier 16 may optionally be configured to actuate the cable 2 into the corresponding processing module 3 to 12, or the module group 13, respectively, perpendicularly to the conveying direction T. The conveyor 14 may also have a roller conveyor to ensure that the cable 2 is conveyed with a desired low friction, wherein the production operator may optionally manually move the cable 2 between the respective processing modules 3 to 12. The conveying device 14 may also have one or more gripper units with at least one gripper 17 in order to convey the cables 2 individually or between the processing modules 3 to 12 or the module groups 13 in the workpiece carrier 16.

The processing modules 3 to 12 and/or the module groups 13 may be cycled in a synchronized manner in order to provide a desired efficient production line for the production of the cable 2.

In principle, the device 1 according to the invention is suitable for producing any arbitrary cable 2. However, the invention is particularly advantageously applicable to the production of cables 2 of the type shown in fig. 2. Accordingly, the present invention will be mainly described hereinafter for producing a two-core shielded data cable; however, this should not be construed as limiting.

The cable 2 shown in an exemplary manner in fig. 2 has a cable jacket 18 that encloses all further cable components. A braided cable shield 19 consisting of interwoven single wires extends directly under the cable sheath 18. The cable membrane 20, for example, extends along the cable central axis M to bypass the cable 2, extending directly under the braided cable shield 19. The cable film 20 encloses two inner conductors 21, which inner conductors 21 extend in each case in an insulation 22. The inner conductor 21 may be configured as a single wire or preferably as a stranded wire made up of a plurality of single wires.

For producing the cable 2, the device 1 may have, for example, a stripping module 3 (see fig. 1) for removing the braided cable shield 19 of the cable jacket 18 in the region of the cable front end. The cut-off portion of the cable sheath may have been completely removed from the cable 2 (completely stripped) or initially remain partially on the cable 2 (partially stripped).

A mounting module 4 (see fig. 1) may be arranged downstream of the peeling module 3 for mounting one or more plug connector components, for example mounting the shown support sleeve 23 on the cable 2. Alternatively, the plug connector part may also have been fixed to the cable 2, for example press-fitted or crimped onto the cable, respectively.

One or more cable shield processing modules 5, 6, 7 for cutting and/or folding back the braided cable shield 19 of the cable 2 to a fixed length, which are exposed from the front end of the cable to a stripping position P _A (see fig. 3), may be arranged downstream of the mounting module 4. Three cable shield process modules 5, 6, 7 are shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1, which may also be optionally combined to form a single cable shield process module or combined in a dedicated module group. The division of the individual processing steps illustrated and described hereinafter is to be understood as merely exemplary.

The first cable shield processing module 5 may be configured to fold back the braided cable shield 19 from the front end of the cable in a direction toward the opposite end of the cable.

For example, the first cable shield process module 5 may be configured as shown in fig. 3-5 herein. The first cable shield processing module 5 may have, for example, a control device 24 (indicated in fig. 3) which is designated for determining a defined fold-back position P _U along the cable central axis M for the braided cable shield 19. The fold-back position P _U is preferably offset from the peel position P _A.

Furthermore, the first cable shield processing module 5 may have an actuating device 25 which is designated for attaching the mould shell 26 to the cable 2 and positioning said mould shell 26 in the folded-back position P _U by a front end portion facing the front end of the cable (see fig. 3 and 4). The actuation means 25 may be configured for actuating the cable 2 and/or the mould shell 26. The actuating device 25 in the exemplary embodiment has two clamping jaws 27 which are movable in a direction towards the cable centre axis M for fixing the cable 2 to its cable sheath 18 and subsequently actuating the cable 2 in a linear manner into the immovable form 26.

The mould shell 26 has an end stop surface 28 for the braided cable shield 19. In addition, the form 26 tapers in the direction of its front end or of the stop surface 28, respectively. However, it is also possible to arrange that the form 26 does not taper towards its front end; in this case, the braided cable shield 19 may be folded back completely.

The control device 24, when determining the defined return position P _U, can be designated for sending a corresponding control signal to the actuating device 25 in order to position the formwork 26 accordingly.

The folding back position P _U can be determined in particular in such a way that the folding back position P _U of the cable central axis M of the cable 2 is arranged closer to the cable front end than the stripping position P _A. The return position P _U can in particular also be determined as a function of the assembly position of the preassembled plug connector part of the subsequent plug connector, and thus, for example, as a function of the assembly position of the support sleeve 23. Further, the folding back position P _U may also be determined from the peeling position P _A.

Once or when the form 26 is attached to the cable 2, at least one drivable brush 29 (see fig. 5) can be driven in a direction towards the rear end of the cable so that the braided cable shield 19 is brushed back at the support sleeve 23. In the exemplary embodiment two brushes 29 are used. However, in principle any number of brushes 29 may be provided, alternatively only a single brush 29 may be provided. However, it has proven to be particularly advantageous to use exactly two brushes 29, in particular for the type of cable shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 6 shows the state of the cable 2 after the braided cable shield 19 has been folded back onto the mould shell 26 and after the mould shell 26 has been removed. Due to the geometry of the form 26, the braided cable shield 19 has not yet been fully folded back onto the support sleeve 23. This may be particularly advantageous in view of the braided cable shield 19 being subsequently cut to length.

As already mentioned, the processing steps shown in fig. 3 to 6 will be understood to be merely exemplary in the context of the process of processing a cable shield by the first cable shield processing module 5.

The second cable shield processing module 6, downstream of the first cable shield processing module 5 (see fig. 1 and 7), may be configured to cut the braided cable shield 19 in a defined manner. The fixed length cutting here can be performed in different ways. For example, the braided cable shield 19 may be cut directly onto the form 26 shown in fig. 3-5. Alternatively, for example, a fixed-length cut can be provided by means of a die 30 shown in fig. 7, the die 30 having a contact region for the braided cable shield 19 and having a punching device 31, wherein the punching device 31 can sever the braided cable shield 19 supported on the contact region of the die 30 in a defined manner.

However, it is also possible to provide that no longer cut to length is made after the braided cable shield 19 has been folded back (this is indeed even preferred, since in this case no film residues or corresponding particles are produced). In this case, the length of the braided cable shield 19 preferably already corresponds to the nominal length required during or after the retractions through the form 26. In this case, the braided cable shield 19 may preferably have been folded back completely; in this case, the third cable shield processing module 7 described below can in particular also be omitted.

Fig. 8 shows, in an exemplary manner, a third cable shield process module 7, which may be arranged downstream of the second cable shield process module 6, as shown in fig. 1. The third cable shield processing module 7 may be configured to fold the braided cable shield 19 back onto the support sleeve 23 in a direction towards the rear cable end. For example, as shown in fig. 8, a folding aid 32 can be used for this purpose.

The orientation module 8 may be arranged downstream of the third cable shield processing module 7 (see fig. 1). The orientation module 8 may be particularly suitable for producing cables 2 that do not have a coaxial structure, such as the dual-core cable 2 shown in fig. 2. The orientation of the cable or rotational alignment of its inner conductor 21, respectively, may be advantageous for downstream film processing. When orienting the cable 2, any twisting or twisting of the inner conductor 21 may also be taken into account, respectively. Especially when a completely symmetrical cable 2 (e.g. coaxial cable) is to be produced, the orientation module 8 may optionally be omitted.

According to the invention, the film processing module 9 for reducing the mechanical load carrying capacity of the cable film 20 may be arranged at a tearing position P _R (see fig. 13) arranged along the cable central axis M. As shown in fig. 1, a film processing module 9 may be disposed downstream of the orientation module 8.

In fig. 9 a film processing module 9 according to the invention is shown in a highly schematic and exemplary manner. Fig. 10 and 12 show a further exemplary embodiment of a film processing module 9 according to the invention, with further details. The support sleeve 23 is omitted from fig. 9 and 12 for reasons of simplicity.

The film processing module 9 has a circular knife 33 for scoring at least one outer layer of the cable film 20 facing away from the cable central axis M at a tear position P _R. The circular knife 33 may be mounted rotatable about the rotation axis R (see fig. 10) without a driver such that the circular knife 33 rolls on the cable film 20 when cutting along the circumference of the cable 2.

The film processing module 9 may optionally have cut depth control and/or cut depth limitation for the circular knife 33. For example, the cutting depth limitation may be achieved by supporting the circular knife 33 on the cable sheath 18 or on the guide sleeve 34, which will be mentioned below.

Optionally, the film processing module 9 may also have a cutting pressure control and/or cutting pressure limitation for the cutting pressure applied to the cable film 20 by the circular knife 33. The cutting pressure may be applied by means of a resilient element, for example by means of a compression spring 35 as shown in fig. 10 and 12.

The cable membrane 20 may be scored in an at least partially annular manner, completely or partially along the circumference of the cable 2. The cable film 20 at the tear position P _R can be scored in such a way that a tear is configured through the outer layer and preferably also at least partially through the inner layer of the cable film 20 below the outer layer. The cable film 20 is preferably not completely cut through by the circular knife 33 so as not to scratch the cable component located therebelow, e.g., the cable component is now the insulation 22 of the inner conductor 21.

The film processing module 9 may have a fixing device 36, which is designated for axially and/or radially fixing the cable 2.

The film processing module 9 may optionally have guiding or supporting means 37 (see fig. 10) in order to advantageously guide the film 2 during processing.

The film processing module 9 may have a guide sleeve 34 (see fig. 10 and 11), the guide sleeve 34 having a through hole 38 for guiding through the cable 2. The guide sleeve 34 on the end facing the circular knife 33 may have an end face 39, the end face 39 having a window 40 for guiding the leading end of the cable, the window 40 being adapted to the outer contour of the cable 2. As an alternative to that illustrated in fig. 11, the window 40 may also be configured completely circular to avoid pressure being exerted on the cable 2, or to facilitate the introduction of the cable 2 into the guide sleeve 34, in particular in case the inner conductor 21 of the cable 2 passes through the cable 2 in a twisted manner.

As shown in fig. 10, the circular knife 33 or the blade of the circular knife 33, respectively, for scoring the cable membrane 20 may alternatively be located at the end face 39 of the guide sleeve 34, or guided by the guide sleeve 34, respectively. The guide sleeve 34 may also be designated for radially and/or axially fixing the cable 2. Thus, the guide sleeve 34 may also be part of the fixture 36.

Further, the film processing module 9 may have a rotating device 41, which rotating device 41 is designated for rotating the cable 2 around the cable central axis M (see fig. 10) and/or for rotating the circular knife 33 around the cable 2 along the circumference of the cable 2 (see fig. 12). In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 10, the cable 2 is arranged to rotate around a cable central axis M.

It has proved easier to rotate the cable 2 than the circular knife 33, because in this case the variable influence of gravity during rotation of the circular knife 33 around the cable 2 cannot influence the cutting depth unpredictably. However, in the case of long cables 2, it may not be particularly suitable to rotate the cable 2, which is why in contrast it may also be advantageous for the circular knife 33 to rotate around the cable 2.

The rotating means 41 in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 10 are designated for rotating the fixing means 36 or the guide sleeve 34, respectively, together with the cable 2 around the cable central axis M.

The rotating means 41 in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12 are designated for rotating the circular knife 33 around the cable 2 along the shutter 42. The distance of the shutter 42, or the shape of the shutter 42, respectively, may optionally be configured to follow the contour of the cable 2 in an optimal manner and/or to advantageously compensate for the effect of gravity on the circular knife 33 or the cutting pressure of the circular knife 33, respectively. The ram 42 can be advantageously used to limit the depth of cut. The shutter 42 may be configured to be elliptical or at least approximately elliptical, as shown in fig. 12, for example. Instead of the circular knife 33 rotating or guiding around the shutter 42, respectively, the shutter 42 and the circular knife 33 may also optionally rotate around the shutter axis.

A separation module 10 for severing the end piece 43 of the cable membrane 20 at the tearing position P _R may be arranged downstream of the membrane processing module 9 (see fig. 1). Fig. 13 provides an exemplary schematic of the separation module 10. Fig. 14 shows a further embodiment of the separation module 10.

The separation module 10 may have a clamping tool 44 designated for clamping the end piece 43 of the cable membrane 20 to be cut in the vicinity of the tearing position P _R. The clamping tool 44 may in particular have two clamping jaws 45 which are actuatable in a direction towards the cable centre axis M.

The separation module 10 may also have an actuator device 46 which is designated for jointly twisting and/or bending the cable 2 and/or the cable film 20 and/or the end piece 43 of the cable film 20 such that the end piece 43 of the cable film 20 is severed at the tearing position P _R. The actuator means 46 may be specifically designated for moving the gripping tool 44 along at least one rotational degree of freedom, while the gripping tool 44 secures the cable 2 or the cable membrane 20/end piece 43 of the cable membrane 20. As shown in fig. 13 and 14, the gripping tool 44 is particularly preferably movable in at least two degrees of rotational freedom.

A cleaning module 11 for removing particles or film residues adhering to the cable 2 may optionally be arranged downstream of the separation module 10. Furthermore, a quality monitoring module 12 for checking the processing quality of the cable 2 may be arranged downstream of the separation module 10. As shown in fig. 1, the cleaning module 11 and the quality monitoring module 12 are combined in an exemplary manner to form a module group 13.

The processing modules of the module group can be moved in the module conveying direction (see arrow in fig. 1). A guide rail 47 may be provided along which the processing modules (e.g., cleaning module 11 and quality monitoring module 12) may move in tandem. The processing or cleaning module 11 and the quality monitoring module 12 can each be fixedly mounted on one another, as a result of which a coupling movement is achieved. As a result, the processing or cleaning module 11 and the quality monitoring module 12 can be moved between the storage position L and the processing position B, respectively. Thus, it is always exactly one of the processing modules, in the state shown in fig. 1, the quality monitoring module 12 can be located in each case at the processing location B for processing the cable 2. When the cable 2 is processed by one of the processing modules, the cable 2 may first be removed again from the module group 13 so that the other processing module may be actuated towards the processing position B.

Fig. 15 shows a particularly advantageous embodiment of the design of the cleaning module 11 in an exemplary manner. The cleaning module 11 has nozzles 48 for blowing off particles or film residues, respectively, and suction devices 49 for sucking off particles or film residues, respectively. The cable 2 may be axially introduced into a corresponding receptacle 50 of the cleaning module 11 (and/or the cleaning module 11 may be pushed through the cable 2). Particles or film residues can be blown off respectively through the nozzle 48 in the direction of the suction device 49. The cable 2 can then be led out of the container 50 again. The cable 2 and/or the cleaning module 11 may be rotated during the process. The illustrated cleaning module 11 can of course be varied in any way and combined or upgraded respectively with further means for facilitating cleaning. For example, a vibrator or ionizer may be provided. The brush may alternatively be arranged upstream of the container 50. Instead of the use of a single nozzle 48, it is also possible to provide a ring-shaped nozzle and/or a plurality of individual nozzles.

A quality monitoring module 12 for monitoring production quality in accordance with the present invention is shown in an exemplary manner in fig. 16. When using the quality monitoring module 12, in particular the quality monitoring module 12 shown, it is possible to detect the state of at least one of the two cable ends of the cable 2 before and/or after at least one machining program.

It may be provided that the line of sight S of the first optical sensor 51 is directed towards the cable end, wherein a first illumination unit 52 along the line of sight S of the first sensor 51 is arranged behind the cable end to generate transmitted light or backlight for optical detection of the cable end, respectively.

Furthermore, the line of sight S of the second optical sensor 53 is also directed towards the cable end, wherein a second illumination unit 54 along the line of sight S of the second sensor 53 is arranged in front of the cable end to generate incident light for optical detection of the cable end. The second lighting unit 54 has a central recess in order not to obstruct the view of the second sensor 53 to the end of the cable.

The first sensor 51 and the second sensor 53 are in each case configured as cameras with corresponding lenses.

The first illumination unit 52 and the second illumination unit 54 are in each case arranged coaxially with the line of sight S of the optical sensors 51, 53. However, in principle an offset arrangement may also be provided. The second sensor 53 is arranged offset with respect to the first sensor 51 by a defined angle α, which may in principle be arbitrary. An angle alpha of 90 deg. is provided in the exemplary embodiment.

The line of sight S of the sensors 51, 53 is preferably aligned so as to be orthogonal to the cable central axis M. However, a tilt alignment may also be provided.

In order to avoid that the measurements of the sensors 51, 53 mutually influence, it may be provided that the measurements are made in a time-shifted manner and/or that the illumination units 52, 54 emit light of different light colors and/or light polarizations.

Further, the sensors 51, 53 may be rotated radially about the cable central axis M and/or the cable 2 about the cable central axis M of the cable 2, while the sensors 51, 53 record single image and/or video information.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for producing a cable (2) with a cable membrane (20), the apparatus having a membrane processing module (9) for reducing the mechanical load-carrying capacity of the cable membrane (20) at a tear position (P _R) arranged along a cable centre axis (M), characterized in that

-The film processing module (9) has a circular knife (33) for scoring at least one outer layer of the cable film (20) facing away from the cable central axis (M) at the tearing position (P _R), the film processing module (9) having a rotation device (41), the rotation device (41) being designated for rotating the cable (2) around the cable central axis (M) and/or for rotating the circular knife (33) around the cable (2) along the circumference of the cable (2);

Wherein the film processing module (9) comprises a gate (42) positioned along the cable central axis (M), the rotating means (41) being configured to rotate the circular knife (33) along the circumference of the gate (42) such that the rotational trajectory of the circular knife (33) follows the contour shape of the gate (42), the contour shape of the gate (42) being configured to follow the contour shape of the cable (2) to limit the cutting depth of the circular knife (33).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that

In the absence of a drive, the circular knife (33) is mounted rotatable about the rotational axis (R) of the circular knife (33) such that the circular knife (33) rolls on the cable film (20) when cutting along the circumference of the cable (2).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

The film processing module (9) has a cutting depth control and/or a cutting depth limitation for the circular knife (33).

4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that

The film processing module (9) has a cutting pressure control and/or cutting pressure limitation for the cutting pressure applied to the cable film (20) by the circular knife (33).

5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that

The film processing module (9) has a fastening device (36) which is assigned to fasten the cable (2) axially and/or radially.

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that

The film processing module (9) has a guide sleeve (34), the guide sleeve (34) having a through-hole (38) for guiding through the cable (2).

7. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that

The guide sleeve (34) on the end facing the circular knife (33) has an end face (39), the end face (39) having a window (40), the window (40) being adapted to the outer contour of the cable (2) for guiding through the cable (2).

8. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that

The rotation means (41) are designated for rotating the fixing means (36) and/or the guide sleeve (34) together with the cable (2) around the cable central axis (M).

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that

A separating module (10) for severing an end piece (43) of the cable film (20) at the tearing position (P _R) is arranged downstream of the film processing module (9).

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that

The separation module (10) has clamping means (44) destined to clamp the end piece (43) of the cable film (20) for cutting in the vicinity of the tearing position (P _R).

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that

The clamping tool (44) has two clamping jaws (45), which clamping jaws (45) can be actuated in a direction towards the cable central axis (M).

12. The device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that

The separation module (10) has an actuator device (46), which actuator device (46) is designated for bending the cable (2) together with the cable film (20) such that the end piece (43) of the cable film (20) is severed at the tearing position (P _R).

13. The device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that

The actuator means (46) are destined for moving the gripping tool (44) along at least one degree of rotational freedom while the gripping tool (44) is holding the cable (2).

14. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that

Downstream of the separation module (10) a cleaning module (11) is provided for removing particles or film residues adhering to the cable (2).

15. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that

A quality monitoring module (12) for checking the processing quality of the cable (2) is arranged downstream of the separation module (10).

16. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that

A cable shield processing module (5, 6, 7) is arranged upstream of the film processing module (9) for cutting and/or folding back a braided cable shield (19) of the cable (2) to a fixed length, the braided cable shield (19) of the cable (2) being exposed at a stripping position (P _A) starting from the cable front end.

17. The device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that

The cable shield processing module (5, 6, 7) has at least one drivable brush (29), starting from the cable front end, designated for folding back the braided cable shield (19) of the cable (2) in a direction towards a cable end opposite the cable front end by a brushing action, wherein the cable shield processing module (5, 6, 7) has a control device (24), the control device (24) being designated for determining a defined folding back position (P _U) of the braided cable shield (19) along the cable central axis (M), and wherein the cable shield processing module (5, 6, 7) has an actuating device (25), the actuating device (25) being designated for attaching a mould shell (26) to the cable (2) and for positioning the mould shell (26) at the folding back position (P _U) by facing the cable front end.

18. The device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that

The fold-back position (P _U) is offset from the peel position (P _A).

19. Device (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that

The mould shell (26) has an end stop surface (28) for the braided cable shield (19).

20. Device (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that

The cable shield processing module (5, 6, 7) has a die (30) having a contact region for the braided cable shield (19) and a punching device (31), wherein the punching device (31) is capable of cutting off the braided cable shield (19) supported on the contact region of the die (30).

21. Method for producing a cable (2) with a cable membrane (20), by which method the mechanical load-carrying capacity of the cable membrane (20) is reduced at a tear position (P _R) arranged along the cable centre axis (M), characterized in that

-Scoring at least one outer layer of the cable film (20) facing away from the cable central axis (M) by means of a circular knife (33) at a provided tearing position (P _R), -rotating the cable (2) around the cable central axis (M) and/or rotating the circular knife (33) around the cable (2) along the circumference of the cable (2) by means of a rotating device (41) of a film processing module (9);

22. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that

-Scoring the cable film (20) at least in a partially annular manner, completely or partially along the circumference of the cable (2).

23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that

The cable film (20) at the tear position (P _R) is scored in such a way as to tear through the outer layer.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the cable film (20) at the tearing location (P _R) is scored in such a way as to at least partially tear through an inner layer of the cable film (20) located below the outer layer.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 22, characterized in that

Controlling or at least limiting the cutting depth and/or cutting pressure of the circular knife (33) when scoring along the circumference of the cable (2).

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 22, characterized in that

The cable (2) is twisted and/or bent when the mechanical load-carrying capacity is reduced, so that the end piece (43) of the cable membrane (20) is severed along the tear-off point (P _R) in a partially annular manner or in an annular encircling manner.